Deaths from coronavirus in Newark reached 511 on Wednesday, a testament to the damage wrought by the 21st century's most deadly infectious disease. Deaths from coronavirus in Newark reached 511 on Wednesday, a testament to the damage wrought by ...Credits: M.E. Cagnassola

By TAPINTO NEWARK STAFF

May 13, 2020 at 11:22 PM

NEWARK, NJ — The COVID-19-related death-toll surpassed the 500 mark on Wednesday in Newark, the most affected municipality in the state, and while new cases continue to decline, the number is grim reminder of how the virus has left a trail of tears across New Jersey's largest city.

It’s hard to believe the devastation wreaked by the coronavirus has taken just under two months and so many Newarkers who will never see their city reopen. With no cure and no vaccine, the virus has caused more deaths than any other infectious disease in the 21st century.

Social distancing measures have left grieving families and loved ones unable to honor the deceased the way they might otherwise, a seemingly cruel addition to COVID-19’s host of traumatic consequences.

We took stock of a few Newarkers we’ve lost who made an impact on their community. They helped tell Newark’s story, here’s a bit about theirs.

DJ Hutch Hutchenson

Hutchenson died from the coronavirus in late March. The longtime DJ and Newark native was a regular around the city and greater Newark area, and could be seen spinning records at events like The Fundraiser for the Childcare Center in Montclair and Weequahic House Music Festivals. He was also a fixture at The “Tailgate Parties” during the Whitney M. Young Classic football game at Giants Stadium.

Daniel “Danny” Francis

Francis, 51, was a former East Orange police officer who later joined the staff of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office as an investigator. It was there he served 16 years in multiple units, including Narcotics, Special Victims and Homicide.
Francis retired from the Prosecutor’s Office in 2017 as a lieutenant and later joined the Newark Police Division on the Major Crimes Division as an intelligence analyst.

Sgt. Michael Clegg

Clegg, 53, was a 27-year vetern of the Newark Police Division and a member of the Newark Police Bronze Shield, an African-American officers' association. He served at the force’s 1st, 4th and 5th precincts and was known for his ability to listen when working with the community.

Michael Connors

Officer Michael Connors, 58, joined 1993 and served at the 1st Precinct for the past five years. His superiors remember him as a pillar of the force and a dedicated public servant. He leaves behind two daughters, two sons and six grandchildren.

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NEWARK. NJ — Recognizing its status as one of the areas most affected by the coronavirus. Essex County expanded its testing to some of Newark’s more hard-to-serve populations this week, including the Ironbound’s immigrant community.

Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (D-Newark), who was part of the team that set up a pop-up site in the Seabra Foods parking lot, said Tuesday the site tested ...

NEWARK. NJ — Recognizing its status as one of the areas most affected by the coronavirus. Essex ...